Which galaxy is the most massive known in the nearby universe?
Quick Answer
The most massive known nearby galaxy is IC 1101, a giant elliptical galaxy at the center of the Abell 2029 cluster. It is often estimated to contain several trillion stars.
The Full Story
IC 1101 is one of the best-known record-holders among giant galaxies. It is an enormous elliptical galaxy in the Abell 2029 galaxy cluster and is often estimated to have a mass of around 100 trillion solar masses, though such measurements are uncertain at the top end. Its stellar population may number several trillion stars, making it far larger than the Milky Way in both mass and size. Because the outskirts of such galaxies blend into intracluster light, exact measurements are difficult and can vary between studies.
Key Facts
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